Railway-box-car side door



April 2, 1929- A. E. SMALL H 1,707,238

RAILWAY Box cum snm 0001i Filed Sept. 1, 1927 Eve): tor

9 Q 705 ur E Sm all Qtlorng I Patented Apr 2, 1929.

uuiTEu STATES r 'reu'r ounce.

ARTHUR E. SMALL, O13 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNQR '10 RAILWAY METALIRODUCTS COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPQMAIION OF DELAWARE.

RAILWAY-BOX-CAR SIDE DOOR.

Application filed. September t, 1927. Serial No. 593116.963.

sion hangers engaging; a track supported by the side plates adjzwcntthe top ot the door opening. The front vertical ed 01' the door is provided with a stiiiener or frame member having a tongue or extension which on pages a front door stop mounted on the tront door post and the rear vertical edge of the door is provided with a stiffener or frame member having a tongue or extension which engages a rear locking strip mounted on the rear door post. These front and rear tongue en gagemonts fol-n1 weatherproof and burglar-proot joints. The upper horizontal edge of the door is providedwith a stiffener frame member or a top interlocking strip (as shown in the drawings) and the bottoin edge provided with a frame member or perhaps a bottom track with a vertical depending lip behind the supporting bracket (as illustrated) M The front, rear, top and bottom stitien ers are secured together at the cornersoit the door to form a rectangular frame. It is common practice to stii'len the four sides ot a wooden door with such frame members and to stitl'en the wooden door with bat-- tens, stiles and intermediate horizontal inetal stiil'ening strips but my device is an improvement thereon and contemplates the use of a. relatively thin metallic plate rigidly secured to such av frame (or formed integral therewith) with integral horizontal, vertical or diagonal corrugations or OlllbOSSlnQllbS l'ormed therein which t ansmit any loads or thrusts imposed thereon to the frame inen1- bore. Boards orgrain doors are sometimes nailedto the inside of the door posts to prevent the lading bearing against the door but more frequently, particularly in package lading, the cargo bears against the door and the impact of the car in service causes a wedging action between the cargo and the door. A side door is subjected to quite a few forces which have the rectangularity or the door and cause buckling stresses in the door body plate.

a tendency to distort either the upper corner or lower corner of the door strikes the front door step before the other corner does. This condition is caused by the door opening; being; out of square. Such forces are also caused when thedoor suddenly hits the back door stop an eccentric blow. The crow-bar when used to open a door is another source of trouble. Considerable diiliculty is experienced with imrpinp of wooden doors and the tabrica tion of flat steel plates with metallic stitlencrs is expensive and results in a very heavy door and even corrugated metallic doors have been proposed. but they lack the strength and resiliency of mydesign.

The object of niy device is to provide his tegral ribs or corrugations in a metallic plate when used as a side door for a railway car which transmit any stresses imposed thereon to frame members at the opposite edges of the metallic plate, which frame members, with other similar frame members, term a rectangular frame for the door. And a fun ther object is to so form and shape such enibossnients or corrugations as to impart rigidity to the plate adjacent the frame members or the door and to impart resiliency andilcxibility to the plate adjacent the middle oi the corrugations. r

Another object is to obtain the desired rigidity and resiliency by forming aside door oil' a metallic plate with. integral corruoations (embossoients) or ribs whichtaper in width toward their middle portions and. other preferably alternate corrugations ribs (depressions) which project in the opposite direction therefrom and which decrease in width toward their opposite ends the middle portions or the last mentioned col rugations bffilllgj; formed to provide a certain amount of resiliency to enable the plate to deflect and return to its normal position without a ipreciable permanent distortion.

Another objectis to provide such a corrugated metalhcplate which can be formed by pressing it (when heated, 1t necessary) between dies which move toward each other 45 r v into'the plane of theplate by means of terandline-+5 respectively of Fig. 1 with the corrugations or ribs 3 (called depressions) projecting alternately in opposite directions (outwardly and inwardly) from the original plane of the plate and preferably having their sides 4 merging into each other so as to pr0vide,,in eitect, a plurality of parallel I corrugations having a depth equal to the total, depth of the oppositely projecting corrugations, each embossment having its middle portion divided by a secondary rib 11 to form a plurality of sinuous minor. corrugations 20, which are spaced apart distances equal to their respective widths and the embossment 2 is also equal in width to the minor corrugations and is of sinuous configuration. Thefembossments 2, depressions 3 and minor cprrugations' all merge togetherto form a sinuousconstruction so as to provide a relatively resilient structure adjacent the middleportion oi the door (see Figs. 3 and 6) to allow it to deflect under 7 load Without permanent distortion.

A plurality of I the minor corrugations 20 merge together adjacent the edges of the plates (or opposite frame members) to form a lesser number of narrower corrugations 22 which are spaced apart distances equal to their respective widths .and the embossments 2 increase in width proportionately to the decrease in width of the depressions, thus forming a configuration (see Figs. 5 and 8) symmetrical in cross section about a line midway betweenjt-he outermost portions of vT-these depressions so that this "line is the neutral axis of the section. Such a section is relatively rigid as compared with the sec- .tion of the sinuous configuration described above. The ends of thedepressions merge minal port-ions29 of any desired formation. By such an; arrangement a corrugated jmetallic dooris provided which is relatively rigid adjacent, the end portions of the depressions and embossments and relatively resilient adjacent the middle portions oi the 1 Y depressions and embossments.

I have used the terms embossn ients and .dep-ressions in the specification and claims tofavoid confusion and dilierentiate between the corrugations projecting one way from the original plane 9 of the plate and those projecting int-he opposite direction thereto, but otherwise I contemplate no difference in I the meaning of the terms.

,In the ppnstruction illustrated the emboss'ments 2' have a constant width and depth for a space 6 equidistant on each sideof the'middle of the plate and then increase in width (and preferably decrease in depth) until they merge into the original plane 9 of the plate.

The depressions 3 are positioned alternately between the embossments 2 and preferably have a constant width and depth for a space (i equi-distant on each side of the middle of the plate and then preferably maintain a constant depth but increase in width toward their opposite ends proportionately to the increase in width of the embossments so that the adjacentsidcs -tl5 oi the en'ibossinents and (lPplCSSlOnS are parallel and in the preferred form. these sides merge into each other for substantially the entire length of the embossments.

The depressions 3 have integral ribs 11 formed in them which project in opposite directions therefrom and are preferably equal in depth thereto adjacent the middle of the depression and preferably equidistant on each side of their medial line. These ribs preferably terminate within the depression. The cmbossments and depressions are equal in width adjacent their ends.

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 show the depressions with flat apices 23 and the portions (24) of the plates between the depressions also being flat; Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are similar to Figs. 3, 4, and 5, respectively, and show the depressions with arcuate apices 27 and. the port-ions of the plate (28) between the depressions also being arcuate. V The embossments and depressions may be of equal depth or one group may be deeper than the other group to suit conditions. In the form illustrated the embossinents are shallower than the depressions.

By thus forming a metallic plate I provide a plurality of corrugations or beams which cooperate to form a very rigid structure adjacent the sides of the plate capable of absorbing considerable stress without much deflection and which also form a resilient structure adjacent the middle of the corrugations so that when the plate deflects under extreme load it rebounds or returns to its normal position without appreciable permanent distortion.

' This is a continuation in part of my application Serial No. 131,940, filed August 27. 1926 wherein I have disclosed and claimed broadly the particular formation of a metallie plate and specifically the use of such a structure as a wall for a railway car, and in my co-pending application (also a continuation in part of my application Serial No. 131,940, filed August 27, 1926,) I have. specifically disclosed and claimed the use of such a structure as a hopper door for a railway car.

' The accompanying drawings illustrate the preferred form of the invention, though it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construetion shown and described, as it is obvious that various modifications thereof within the scope of the claims will occur to persons skilled in the art.

I claim:

l. A horizontally movable side door for a. railway car con'lprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposed frame members, said plate provided with a plurality of embossments increasing in width toward their ends and tern'iinating within the plate adjacent the frame members and a plurality of depressions decreasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members, said embossments and depressions projecting in the opposite directions from the plane of the plate, the

middle portions of the depressions being di vided to form ribs.

2. A horizontally movable side door for a railway car comprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposed frame. members, said plate provided with a plurality of embossinents increasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members and a plurality of depressions decreasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjaeentthe frame members, said embossments and depressions projecting in the opposite directions from the plane of the plate, the middle portions of the depressions being divided to form ribs, said embossments and depressions being the same width adjacent the frame members.

3. A horizontally movable side door for a railway car comprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposed frame members, said plate provided with a plurality of embossments increasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members and a plurality of depressions decreasing in, width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members, said embossments and depressions projecting in the opposite directions from the plane of the plate, the middle portions of the depressions being divided to form ribs, said cmbossments, ribs and divided portions of the depressions all being the same width adjacent their medial line.

A horizontally movable side door for a railway car comprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposed frame members, said plate provided with a plurality of embossments increasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members and a plurality of de pressions decreasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame mem ers, said embossments and depressions projecting in the opposite directions fromthe plane of the plate, the middle portions of the depressions being divided to form ribs, said enbossments, ribs and divided portions of the depressions all being the same width and of constant width equi distant on opposite sides of their medial line. i

5. A horizontally movable side door for a railway ca r comprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposed Ifl'llllO members, said plate provided with a plurality of embossmente increasing; in width. toward their ends and terminating within the plate :nljacent the frame members and a plurality of depressions positioned alternately therebetwcen decreasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members, said cmbossments and dcpressions projecting; in. the opposite direc- 'rom the plane of the plate, the middle portions of the depressions being divided to form. ribs with the sides of the embossments merging into the sides of the depressions.

6. ll. horizontally movable side door for a railw y car comprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposed frame members, said plate provided with a plurality of embossments increasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members and a plurality of depressions positioned alternately therebetween decreasi in width toward their ends and givitliiii. the plate :niljacent the :lrame members, said embossments and depressions projecting;- in the opposite directions from the plane of the plate, the middle portions of the depressions being divided to form ribs, with the sides of the enibossments merging into the sides of the depre, T ms for substantially the 911M158 length of these elements.

'l'. A horizontally movable side door for a railway car comprisinpa metallic plate and oppositely disposed :lranie members, said plate provided with a plurality of embossmentsincreasing in width and decreasing in depth toward their ends and terminating; within the plate adjacent the frame members and a plurality of depressions decreasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members, said embossments and depressions projecting in the opposite directions from the plane of the plate, the middle portions of the tie pressions being divided to form ribs.

b. A horizontally movable side door for a railway car comprising a metallicplate and oppositely disposed frame members, said plate provided with a plurality of embossments increasing in width toward their ends and terminating; within the plate adjacent the frame members and a plurality of depressions of constant depth the major portion of their length and decreasing in width toward theirends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members, said embossments and depressions projecting in the opposite directions from the plane of the plate, the middle portions of the depressions being divided to form ribs '9. A horizontally movable side door for a railway car comprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposed frame members, said ,p'late providedwith a plurality ofembossments increasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members and a plurality of depressions positioned alternately therebetween ofconstant depth the major portion being divided to form ribs.

of their length anddecreasing in width toward their ends and terminating Within the plate adjacent the frame members, said embossments and depressions projecting in the opposite directions from the plane of the plate, the middle portions of the depressions 10. A horizontally movable side door for a railway. car comprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposedframe members, said plate provided with a plurality'of embossments increasing in width toward their ends andtermmatmg withm the plate ad acent the frame members and a plurality of depressions positioned alternately 'thercbe tween of constant depth the ma or portion of theirflength and decreasing in width toward their ends and terminating within the plate adjacent the frame members, said embossments and depressions projecting in the opposite directions from the plane of the plate, the middle portions of the depressions being divided to form ribs, said embossments, ribs and divided portions of the de- 1 pressions all being thesame Width adjacent their medial line,said embossments and depressions beingthe same width adjacent the frame members with the sides of the embossments merging intothe sides of the depressions for substantially the entire length of ,these'elements so as to provide a relatively rigid structure at a predetermined place adjacent said frame members and a relatively resilient structure at a predetermined place between said frame members.

12. A horizontally movable side door for a railway car comprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposed frame members, said metallic plate formed with a plurality of corrugations projecting in opposite directions from the original plane of the plate, some of which have their middle portions divided so as to pro *ide a relatively rigid structure at a predetermined. place adjacent said frame members which gradually bc comes a relatively resilient structure at a, predetermined place between said frame i members.

18. A. horizontally movable side door for a railway car comprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposed frame members, said metallic plate formed with a plurality of corrugations projecting in opposite directions from the original plane of the plate whichare relatively shallow adjacent their end portions, some of which have their middle portions divided to form a greater number of relatively deep corrugations adjacent their middle portions so as to provide a relatively rigid. structure adjacent said frame members and a relatively resilient structure at a predetermined place between said frame members.

' 14. A horizontally movable side door for railway car comprising a metallic plate and oppositely disposed frame members, said metallic plate formed with a plurality of corrugations projecting in opposite dire tions from the original plane of the late which are relatively shallow and relatively wide adjacent their end portions, some of which have their middle portions divided to form a greater number of relatively deep and relatively narrow corrugations adjacent their middle portions so as to provide a relatively rigid structure adjacent said frame members and a relatively resilient structure at a predetermined place between. said frame members.

ARTHUR E. SMALL. 

